Catching Up With Former Women’s Volleyball Player Danielle Faggion

TAMPA, Fla.- Arguably one of the best setters in University of Tampa women's volleyball history, Danielle Faggion checks-in to let Tampa and its followers know what she has been doing since graduation.

Faggion, the first Spartan to become a four-time All-American participated on the UT volleyball team from 1996-99 and produced an impressive overall record of 128-17. A member of the 1,000 dig club, the former Spartan tabbed 1,257 career digs. The UT alumni lead the team in assists throughout her four years of participation while helping her squad to one NCAA South Regional appearance, one national semifinalist recognition and two national runner-up titles.

The former setter majored in exercise science and adult fitness while attending school at Tampa and was recently married to Tony Marante in 2001. Faggion now resides in Fort Leavenworth, Kan. and is a mother of two girls, Isabella (5) and Alexis (3).

Q: Where do you live now and what is your current occupation?

A: My husband, Tony Marante is an Army Major; therefore, we have lived in many different areas since graduating from college. Upon graduating UT, my husband and I got married in Tampa in 2001 and lived in Fort Bragg, N.C. from 2001-03. I taught Physical Education while my husband was deployed in Afghanistan. During his absence I completed my Masters of Education at Fayetteville State University. After completing my Masters, I received a job teaching third grade until we moved again to Ft. Lee, Va. where we lived from 2003-04. In Virginia, I taught second grade for a year until my husband was again re-located to Yongsan, South Korea from 2004-05. In South Korea I taught English at a language school for young Korean children. In 2004 I became pregnant in South Korea with my first daughter, Isabella. We moved back to Ft. Bragg, N.C. when Isabella was born in October 2005. Tony deployed to Afghanistan again for another six months following Isabella's birth. In November 2006 I became pregnant with my second daughter, Alexis. Tony deployed to Iraq for a year so we moved up to Fort Drum, N.Y. from 2009-10 after he returned. This summer we recently moved and currently reside in Fort Leavenworth, Kan. I now teach and stay at home with my two wonderful, busy, beautiful little girls- a true full time job.

Q: Following graduation, what were the steps you took to get to the position you are at now?

A: With my husband's career, I wanted to be able to get a job anywhere we moved. While he deployed I completed my Masters in a year. I took as many classes as I could year round, at night and throughout the summer while also working.

Q: How did UT and its athletic programs help mold you into the person you are today and where you have ended up?

A: UT volleyball and coach Catanach gave me an opportunity to succeed and do something I truly loved. Chris taught me to be a better person on and off the court. I always refer to him as my second Dad. Catanach is a great coach and truly cares about his players.

Q: How did UT prepare you for the workforce and your current position?

A: UT was one of the best experiences of my life to date. Playing volleyball not only taught me discipline, time management, cooperation and teamwork, but it also provided a sense of unity to work for a common purpose. In life and work, one must work with people who are different who have different ethics, but in the end, everyone is working toward a common goal and purpose.

Q: Have you stayed in contact with any of your coaches/teammates following graduation?

A: I see coach Catanach every time I come into town and fortunately my family is from Tampa, so I am able to see him almost every year. I also keep in touch with many of my teammates who were not only teammates, but friends. It becomes like a family when everyone is working so hard day in and day out. A lot of us are married and mothers now and it's great to see how everyone has moved on, matured and became role models for our own children.

Q: What was the most memorable moment of going to school at UT?

A: Playing volleyball and meeting my husband are very special moments in my time at UT. On the other hand, being able to come back see the accomplishments UT has made as team and the true joy I have when my girls see Chris as well as what I used to do-there is nothing like it. It's a feeling of a sense of pride, satisfaction and honor to have been a part of such a wonderful program and school.

Q: What has been your most memorable moment following graduation?

A: My wedding day and the birth of my children have definitely been the most memorable moments of my life. There is nothing like seeing and holding your child for the first time. Being a mother is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life but also the most rewarding and most humbling.

Q: If you could give any piece of advice to current UT student athletes today, what would it be?

A: Soak up every minute and give everything you have on and off the court. Truly enjoy your time for it goes way too fast and will soon end. I love where I am today, but you will never forget your time at UT.

Q: Any additional information you would like to share?

A: I want to say good luck to the 2010 volleyball team. Chris, thank you for everything you are and continue to be, go Spartans!

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